LEBANON, Ore.-
Washington State University freshman Kim Welch fired a final round 70 to capture the Oregon Duck Invitational by three strokes at the par-72 5,975 yard Mallard Creek Golf Course, Friday.

Welch entered the final round tied for second, trailing second round leader Susannah Laing of San Francisco by three strokes, but the Sacramento, Calif., native overcame the deficit with her final round effort.

Welch steadily improved throughout the tournament, posting rounds of 74-72-70 for an even-par total of 216, three shots ahead of Washington's Lindsey Morgan. The final round 70 tied for the tournament-low round in the 82-player field.

Welch's triumph marked the second individual tournament title captured by a Cougar golfer this week. Jon Reehoorn won the men's Duck Invitational, Tuesday.

The victory was the second of the season for Welch as the freshman captured the Lady Vandal Invitational, Oct. 2. The win at the Vandal Invite marked the first triumph by a Cougar in a tournament since Kelly Wilson achieved the feat at the Lady Lumberjack Invitational in 1998.

Welch led the Cougars - who are ranked No. 89 by Golfstat - to a tie for sixth place with No. 52 BYU. The Cougars bested No. 43 Colorado State, No. 57 Oregon State, No. 60 San Diego State, No. 66 Nevada, and No. 72 Colorado in the team results.

Senior Tasha Browner finished in a tie for 25th with a score of 229 (+13), securing her 18th career top-25 finish. Freshman Jay-Lee Longbottom tied for 32nd at 232 (+16).